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2023 Special Olympics NYS Winter Games Returns to Syracuse

It’s Games Week in Syracuse. Nearly 500 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches —and their biggest fans—from throughout the state will be in Syracuse this weekend for the 2023 State Winter Games. Area venues will host competitions in six sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing.

On Saturday, sports competitions and medal ceremonies will be held as follows:

Saturday, February 25

- Cross Country Skiing: 10:30am - 3:00pm at Highland Forest (1254 Highland Park Rd, Fabius, NY 13063)

- Alpine Skiing/Snowboarding: 9:30am - 4:00pm at Greek Peak Ski Resort (2000 NY-392, Cortland, NY 13045)

- Snowshoeing: 9:45am - 3:30pm at Thornden Park (Thornden Park Dr, Syracuse, NY 13210)

- Floor Hockey: 10:00am - 3:00pm at Syracuse Oncenter (800 South State St.
Syracuse, NY 13202)

- Figure Skating: 10:00am - 1:30pm at Syracuse War Memorial (515 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202)

Volunteers are still needed to support the Games. No sports experience is necessary to volunteer. There are a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers, and more.

Volunteers are asked to REGISTER HERE. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to volunteers@nyso.org.

“My teammates and I can’t wait for State Winter Games,” said athlete James Jewett, 38, of Chittenango, who will be competing in Snowshoeing. “The competition is always fierce at this level, and we always look forward to seeing our fellow athletes from throughout the state. Thank you, Syracuse!”

All Special Olympics New York programs, including State Winter Games, are provided at no cost to the athletes or their families. The Games are also free for spectators to attend.

To support the Games either by volunteering or making a donation to help offset the costs of the Games, visit this webpage.

Video from last year’s State Winter Games in Syracuse is available HERE for broadcast use.

Area venues hosting the State Winter Games are as follows: The Oncenter (Floor Hockey, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Highland Forest (Cross Country Skiing), Greek Peak Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding), Thornden Park (Snowshoeing), and Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial (Figure Skating).

This is the second consecutive year that Syracuse will host State Winter Games. It will also return in February 2024. Onondaga County is the presenting sponsor of the Games, and the Maguire Foundation is sponsoring Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.